dan gross man's research led to today's recommendation that oral contraceptives be made over the counter to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies. >> we have 50 years of experience with oral contraceptives it's one of best studied medications around. we know it's incredibly safe. >> half of all pregnancies are unintended a rate that's not changed in 20 years. nearly 5 million women considered at risk for an unintended pregnancy do not use any kind of birth control. >> women that aren't using contraception but are using a less effective method may start using the pill. it could make the pill easy to get for women taking it and can prevent gaps in use. >> a registered nurse. she's worried a lack of over sight could lead to misuse or increase the risk for side effects such as blood clots. >> we need have that contact with patients. and we need to be able to monitor their health. and the only way you do that is to have birth control pills stay a prescriptive item. >> the fda is looking at ways to increase access. the possibilities include a one time prescription or automated screenings at